See Also

Alcohol-Poisoning Deaths among Youths

Although alcohol-poisoning deaths among young people are tragic
and highly publicized, they are fortunately very rare, numbering
about one-half dozen or so per year, according to the National Institute
on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

However, a half-dozen unnecessary deaths is a half-dozen too
many. Although that number has dropped dramatically over time,
according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), we must reduce the number even more.

It would appear that the youths most likely to experience problems
related to alcohol are those who are those who have the least knowledge
and experience with alcohol and drinking. Some of the alcohol-poisoning
victims have never consumed alcohol before coming to college or
joining the military.

It’s vitally important that young people understand the importance
of pacing alcoholic drinks, of eating while drinking, of using designated
drivers, and other potentially life-saving information. Alcohol
education devoted exclusively to teaching abstinence and refusal
skills ignores reality and doesn’t prepare young people to
enter the adult world in which most people consume alcohol.

Alcohol education that incorporates harm reduction would save lives.

Reference:

Hall, R. While rare, underage deaths
from alcohol poisoning point to concerns over binge drinking, Kalamazoo
Gazette, April 18, 2005.